Saul Alvarez's former promoter takes legal action to halt Matthew Hatton fight

Saul Alvarez's former promoter, Miami-based Felix 'Tuto' Zabala Jr., is suing the Mexican boxer for breach of contract and has asked a US judge for an injunction to stop his scheduled March 5th WBC light-middleweight bout against Matthew Hatton.

Cuban Zabala, who heads up All-Star Boxing, claims he signed Alvarez to a four-year promotional deal beginning in September 2008 and that Golden Boy Promotions, Alvarez's current promoter, illegally interfered in this arrangement.

Zabala's legal action, filed in late January, states that Alvarez had nine bouts under the original deal ending with his NABF title win over Larnardo Tyner in December 2009, and that Alvarez earned a total of $180,000 in that period.

'Canelo' has boxed five times since then, none of which was promoted by All-Star Boxing. GBP is accused of inducing Alvarez to breach his contract and sign a new multi-fight contract with them instead.

Zabala is seeking a postponement of Hatton's surprise WBC title shot until the matter is resolved by way of either compensation or the original contract being restored.